Skip to main content
Chapter 14 of 19
Chapter Summary

Breathing and Exchange of Gases — Chapter Summary

CBSE · Class 11 · Biology

Summary of Breathing and Exchange of Gases for CBSE Class 11 Biology. Part of the CBSE Class 11 Biology syllabus.

101 questions66 flashcards3 formulas & key relations5 concepts

Interactive on Super Tutor

Studying Breathing and Exchange of Gases? Get the full interactive chapter.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for chapter summary and more.

Free trial, no card needed.

Overview

Breathing is the exchange of oxygen from the atmosphere with carbon dioxide produced by body cells. Oxygen is used to release energy from food molecules, while carbon dioxide is a harmful waste product that must be removed. The human respiratory system is organised to bring air into the lungs, excha

Key Concepts

Air enters through the nostrils

Air enters through the nostrils, passes through the nasal chamber, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and finally reaches the alveoli. The

The part from the external nostrils

The part from the external nostrils up to the terminal bronchioles forms the conducting part. It carries air, filters it, humidifies it and brings it

Inspiration occurs when the intra

Inspiration occurs when the intra-pulmonary pressure becomes less than atmospheric pressure. This happens due to contraction of the diaphragm and exte

Tidal volume is about 500 mL

Tidal volume is about 500 mL. Inspiratory reserve volume is 2500 mL to 3000 mL. Expiratory reserve volume is 1000 mL to 1100 mL. Residual volume is 11

Gas exchange occurs by simple diffusion

Gas exchange occurs by simple diffusion based on partial pressure gradients. Atmospheric pO2 is 159 mm Hg and pCO2 is 0.3 mm Hg. In alveoli, pO2 is 10

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the main respiratory organs and their functions
  • Explain inspiration and expiration using pressure changes
  • Describe respiratory volumes and capacities
  • Explain gas exchange at the alveoli and tissues
  • Understand transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Breathing and Exchange of Gases for CBSE Class 11 Biology?
Key topics in Breathing and Exchange of Gases include Respiratory Organs and Air Passage, Mechanism of Breathing, Respiratory Volumes and Capacities, Exchange of Gases. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 11 exams.
How should I revise Breathing and Exchange of Gases for Class 11 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 101 practice questions on Breathing and Exchange of Gases. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

For serious students

Get the full Breathing and Exchange of Gases chapter — start free.

Quizzes, flashcards, an AI doubt solver and a study plan for CBSE Class 11 Biology. Free to start, no card needed.